I'd like to introduce you to the 2nd ever Blueprints For Sewing pattern: A-frame

The A-frame pattern includes two styles: A pencil skirt and an A-line. Both feature pockets as well as A shaped seaming, a great way to showcase coordinating fabrics (like the double sided cotton above). The pencil skirt also features a back kick pleat.

Development

When I originally started working on Blueprints For Sewing, I had devised a few garments with the plan to release them all at once. After scaling back to one pattern for the initial release, the A-frame skirt was on hold.

It started as a skirt that had the fullness of an a-line skirt, but fit more like a straight skirt. The idea was that it would be easier to ride a bike in, but still have a fairly straight silhouette. Eventually after some fine tuning, it became more of a traditional a-line skirt, but with a bias cut front panel to create more volume without too pronounced of an A shape.

I tend to be a pencil skirt kinda gal style-wise, so as a result I played around with taking the A-Frame concept and turning it into a straighter cut. I was very happy with the result and pursued the two skirt plan. It reminded me of those fantastic vintage patterns that featured multiple garments in the same envelope.

A traditional thatched a-frame in Portugal

If you'd like to read a great book all about A-Frames, check out A-frame by Chad Randl

The design itself was inspired by the A-frame house and its striking angular lines, not to mention its amazing marriage of leisure and style. The A-frame was easy to build and affordable too, a key player in the history of DIY culture. I feel like this skirt is similar in spirit: Fairly economical fabric-wise, easy to put together, unique and stylized while still being very wearable. I took inspiration from vintage patterns and clothing from the 1930's - 1960's and settled on two iconic silhouettes that span the time period. And of course, in the spirit of stylish utility, both styles include pockets. Read more about the A-frame's history in the story included with the pattern.

Fit

A-Frame can be a great wardrobe staple. The pencil skirt features a snug fit, but not too snug. A common misconception about pencil skirts is that they should be super tight. If you've ever had big horizontal wrinkles on your skirt or had it ride up to your waist while you walk, you've been wearing a too-tight skirt. (However, stretch fabric skirts can fit tightly without these problems). So this pencil skirt is more of a straight skirt and while snug fitting is not skin tight. Stay tuned for some tutorials to further 'pencil' your skirt.

The a-line skirt really only relies on one measurement: Your waist. The a-line shape will fit a variety of hip sizes, locations, and proportions nicely (there's a reason the a-line skirt is considered the most flattering skirt style.) The a-line A-Frame grazes your hips and continues to flare outward, but doesn't have an overly pronounced shape.

The pattern includes instructions for proportion alterations as well as length adjustment. Along with cutting layouts, detailed sewing instructions, and tips, it includes instructions for sewing a lapped zipper. Lapped zippers are often seen in vintage clothing, have a great look, and are often easier to install than invisible zippers.

The pattern cover illustration was created by Andrea Sherrill Evans, who will be featured later in the week in an interview. Stay tuned for that later this week!

To celebrate, from now until midnight EST Friday June 12th, A-Frame and Cabin will be 20% off! Use the coupon code NEWPATTERN15 at checkout.

The events this weekend in VA were heavy (visual pun intended). The state of my country and how fractured it has become (and in many ways has always been) weighs on me every day. We come from a complicated history, a variegated landscape of people and beliefs and tremendous fear and the way forward is unclear.
I don't often use Instagram as a soapbox, but I feel it's my responsibility to speak up on public platforms like this as the stakes continue to get higher.
So, here's a break in my usual posts to simply share my intention to be active, supportive and aware. We have to continue to stand up against racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, and encourage others to do the same.

Knitting at the pond!

Today's garden harvest 👍

Last day of capsule wardrobe class and super proud of my students! ✨❤️✂️(Check out their projects in my stories!) Here's my last outfit: a Cabin and A-Frame combo! #blueprintsaframe #blueprintscabin #capsulewardrobe